B+LNZ Autumn Ready: Getting Ahead of Facial Eczema and Worms Workshop

image of black cattle infront of sheep grazing

We're all thinking about a dry summer, but autumn is when the rubber hits the road. That's when our most expensive animal health problems bite.

Facial eczema (FE) and drench resistance together cost New Zealand farmers more than $440 million a year in lost production. FE causes liver damage that cuts growth, fertility and production, and for every animal you can see affected, there may be another 10 you can't.

If FE costs every lamb 1.5kg at a $10/kg schedule, that's $1,500 for every 100 lambs. Drench resistance is just as costly, with an estimated 2.8–4.7kg less carcass weight per lamb. At current prices, that's $28–$47 a lamb.

The good news is that the tools for managing both are the same. Smart genetics and good grazing management protect your stock against FE and worms at the same time.

On the day and what to bring

  • Facilitated by Rachael Fouhy of Tararua Vet Services, the day includes a live sheep necropsy and a farmer panel with Willie Forbes, Alfredton farmer and 2026 Wairarapa Farmer of the Year, and Dannevirke dairy farmer Harvey Verwaayen.
  • You'll leave with a clear autumn plan for your own farm.
  • Bring outdoor clothing and footwear for the necropsy.

What you'll take home

  • Understand what FE is and why the risk is growing.
  • Know when to act, with a plan for spore monitoring and prevention before the risk period starts.
  • Use grazing management to lower FE and worm risk together: pasture length, litter, alternative forages and refugia.
  • Know which traits to look for when buying rams, so your genetics work on FE and worms at the same time.
  • See what FE and worms do inside a sheep at the necropsy.
  • Get up to speed on the latest technology for parasite monitoring and management.

Speakers

Rachel fouhy

Rachael Fouhy, Tararua Vet Services

Rachael is a veterinarian who combines deep animal health expertise with a strong understanding of whole farming systems. She works with sheep, beef and dairy farmers to turn animal health knowledge into practical decisions that make sense on farm.
Cara Brosnahan

Dr Cara Brosnahan, B+LNZ

Cara is B+LNZ's Principal Scientist, Animal Health Research, and one of our leads on both the Eliminating Facial Eczema Impacts (EFEI) programme and the Wormwise programme. She'll share the latest research on both.
Willie forbes

Willie Forbes

Willie Forbes, alongside his wife Jen, farms at Turnberry Farm in the Wairarapa. The couple were recognised as the winners of the 2026 Wairarapa Sheep and Beef Farm Business of the Year, reflecting their commitment to running a successful farming business
image of Harvey Verwaayen

Harvey Verwaayen

Harvey Verwaayen and wife Zara dairy farm at Oringi, just south of Dannevirke. They milk 350 Holstein Friesians and rear their own young stock. FE and parasite management are ongoing challenges Harvey has had to overcome in recent years.

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